Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion flags off Breast Cancer Awareness Series to Commemorate Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month

*SERIES 1*
Annually in October, special emphasis is given to generating awareness on the menace of breast cancer. This is intended to inform people of the risks of breast cancer as well as what can be done to prevent and/or address it.

*Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. It can start in one or both breasts*

*Alarming Statistics*
In Nigeria, different types of cancer cause more than 70,000 deaths per year (28,414 males and 41,913 females). The estimated incidence of the five most common types of cancer in both men and women are: Breast cancer (25.7%), Cervical cancer (14.6%), Prostate (12.8%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5.3%) liver (5.0).

The estimated mortality proportions are breast cancer (18.6%), cervical cancer (16.8%), prostate (9.4%), liver (8.3%), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (6.0%).

Breast cancer is currently the deadliest cancer type in Nigeria( killing the highest number of people) while cervical cancer is second and prostate cancer is third.

These alarming statistics are derived from World Health Organization sponsored studies generated in 2023

*History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month*

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was officially founded in 1985. It began as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries. In 1993, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation was founded by Evelyn Lauder and the pink ribbon was officially adopted as the symbol for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In addition to the ribbon, the color pink is also used heavily during this time and is often used by businesses, organizations, sports teams, and more to show support

*Importance of Early Detection*

Breast cancer is progressive and this is why early detection is so important. If breast cancer is detected in the early stages, likelihood of a cure and survival is higher. In the later stages, this chance drops significantly, especially if the breast cancer has already reached the lymph nodes. Many women do not know the signs of breast cancer and aren’t aware there is a problem until it’s too late. Women need to understand their risks as well as the early signs, so they can catch breast cancer early on.

*Know Your Risk Factor*

Several factors put people at risk. While breast cancer is sometimes found in men, its far more common in women, and being female significantly increases your risk.

Women are also at risk as they age. Reproductive history also plays a role. Starting your period before age 12 and reaching menopause after age 55 means your body is exposed to hormones longer and this increases your risk.

You also are at risk if there is a history of breast cancer in your family as well as a history of genetic mutations that put people at risk. While there are a lot of risks you have no control over, there are some that you do.

*Mitigants That Reduce Breast Cancer Risk*

Losing weight, exercising more often, reducing your exposure to hormones (such as through medications), and reducing your alcohol intake can all reduce your risk of developing breast cancer

*Get Screened*

If you’re worried about breast cancer, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get screened. Screenings allow you to check for the signs of breast cancer. This allows you to detect it early and begin addressing it before it gets worse. For women aged 40 and older, it’s recommended to practise Breast Self Examination ( BSE) and to receive a mammogram once every one to two years. For women aged 30-39, it’s recommended that you speak with your doctor about your potential risk.

Like it says in the flier above ; Early detection is critical to saving lives.Prevention of a medical health condition is always better than a cure

*Hon( Mrs) Toyin BALOGUN*
COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION